Effect of energy levels with or without enzyme supplementation on growth of crossbred pigs

A study was conducted on 24 crossbred (Hampshire x Assam local) castrated male piglets of 14.0 ± 1.4 kg body weight, randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. Two iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures, with different levels of (100% and 80% of NRC) digestible energy (DE) were prepared. Piglets in group I were fed 100% DE without enzyme(HE) and group II were fed the same ration with enzyme(HEe), however, animals in group III and group IV were fed low energy rations without (LE) and with enzyme(LEe), respectively. The high and low energy diets contained 3.18 and 2.69 M Cal/kg DE respectively. No significant difference was observed amongst the groups in feed intake, daily gain and feed conversion efficiency during the 70 days growth trial. The digestibility of nutrient (except CF) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in piglets fed high energy ration as compared to low energy rations, irrespective of enzyme supplementation, Cost per kg gain in live weight was Rs. 34.87, 35.90, 29.94 and 31.00 in HE, HEe, LE, LEe groups respectively. It was concluded that the crossbred growing pigs could be reared on low energy diets with incorporation of 30% de-oiled rice bran and 34% wheat bran.